 "Brexit impact: 10 things to know about the political storm in UK")
Even as Britain is coming to terms with its electorate’s vote to exit the European Union (EU), political turmoil in the UK has escalated too.
While the European Union has asked UK to initiate the exit process swiftly, Scotland could throw a spanner in the works as it had voted to ‘remain’ in the EU. Meanwhile, the Labour Party is facing a revolt from its senior leaders, even as uncertainty prevails over Prime Minister David Cameron’s successor. Cameron quit the day the results of the Brexit referendum came in, leaving it to his successor to deal with what will likely be a messy exit.
Here are 10 things to know about the political crisis that has hit the UK.
Scotland's threat
Scotland is said to be considering a referendum to be independent from UK if Britain actually manages to exit the EU. The move is said to be under consideration after the nation voted to ‘remain’ in the EU. Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has also threatened to block Brexit, stating that the decision will need the consent of Scotland’s semi-autonomous Parliament.
Filling the void
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British Prime Minister David Cameron announced on Friday that he will step down from the office in three months and that a new leader will take over by October. The Conservative Party has been in a huddle, scouting for a replacement to the PM soon, amid uncertainty over next plan of action for the country. Some reports indicate ex-mayor Boris Johnson, who favoured the ‘Leave’ campaign, could be his successor.
Challenges for the next PM
Apart from leading an almost split electoral mandate, Cameron’s successor will have to address a number of challenges. One of the key tasks would be to rebuild a relationship with the Europe and renegotiate global trade agreements from scratch, a report in the Wall Street Journal states. Another hurdle will also be regarding difference of opinion over issues within the ‘Leave’ campaign. Along with these, handling the immigration issue will also be important, the report adds.
The rift within
The former mayor of London has been longing to replace Cameron and is said to be a favourite to do so. However, newspapers in the UK on Sunday had reports indicating that other Conservatives are looking to deny him the post. A number of candidates could seek to block this path. A strong challenger could be Theresa May, the current home secretary, according to a report in The Washington Post.
Likely elections
The successor to Cameron has the option to call for fresh elections, in a bid to gain fresh electoral mandate. The support of its people is in question as over 50% voters favoured leaving the EU, while those who rule believe in remaining in the EU. The Parliament may also ask for a poll, if 2/3rd lawmakers call for early election or give a vote of no-confidence in a new government.
Revolt in the Labour Party
The Labour Party in the UK has found itself in controversy after its senior leaders rebelled against its chief Jeremy Corbyn. Members have tendered in mass resignations after Corbyn sacked his foreign secretary. Other key shadow Cabinet members have resigned over his poor handling of the EU referendum. "There is no confidence to win the next election if Jeremy continues as leader. In a phone call to Jeremy I told him I had lost confidence in his ability to lead the party and he dismissed me," said Hilary Benn, the foreign secretary who was fired.
Lack of leadership
Cameron’s exit, the Conservative Party’s indecision on a new leader, , and the rebellion in the Labour Party have all created a situation of leadership crisis in the country. At a time when the nation must have a figure to steer forward in such a crisis, this issue seems to be hitting UK hard.
British EU executive steps down
Following the mandate, Jonathan Hill, UK’s commissioner to the EU and its Financial Services Commissioner, quit from his post. It was expected as a Briton may not have supervised the financial market issue in the negotiations between London and Brussels.
United approach by EU on exit
While the European Union has asked the UK to begin the exit process quickly, German chancellor Angela Merkel has advised against doing so in haste. With such diverse views on the procedure, there is a lack of united approach by the EU itself towards Britain.
Second Brexit referendum
An online petition, seeking a second referendum on the EU exit, has been garnering a lot of support. The petition had received over three million signatures, signalling a major backlash against the current exit vote. The popularity of the demand has prompted a Conservative Party MP to discuss it in the House of Commons.